Minor Surgery & Cryotherapy

We provide assessment and treatment for a range of benign skin lesions. Following examination, the most appropriate treatment option will be recommended based on the type, size and location of the lesion.

Conditions We Commonly Treat

✓ Skin tags
✓ Seborrhoeic keratoses
✓ Warts and verrucae
✓ Milia
✓ Cherry angiomas
✓ Benign moles (where appropriate)
✓ Certain cysts and other benign skin lesions

Treatment Options

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy uses controlled freezing to destroy unwanted skin lesions. It is commonly used for:

✓ Warts
✓ Verrucae
✓ Skin tags
✓ Some benign lesions

Benefits include:

✓ Treatment is quick but results can sometimes take weeks before any improvement depending on lesion treated.
✓ Minimal downtime
✓ Little discomfort
✓ No stitches required

Minor Surgery

Assessment Before Minor Surgery

All patients will undergo a comprehensive consultation and assessment prior to any surgical procedure. During this appointment we will:

• Review your medical history
• Discuss any medications, allergies and health conditions
• Assess the skin lesion and determine the most appropriate treatment option
• Discuss expected outcomes, risks and benefits
• Decide whether minor surgery, cryotherapy or another treatment is most suitable
• Obtain informed consent before treatment proceeds

Treatment Options

Not all skin lesions require surgical removal. Depending on the type, size and location of the lesion, treatment options may include:

• Cryotherapy (freezing treatment)
• Minor surgical excision
• Monitoring and review

Before Your Procedure

If surgery is recommended, you will receive detailed pre-operative information, including:

• A patient information video explaining the procedure
• Pre-treatment instructions
• Aftercare guidance
• Information about expected healing times

This ensures you are fully informed before deciding whether to proceed.Risks of Minor Surgery

All surgical procedures carry some risks. These may include:

• Scarring (a scar will be present following excision)
• Infection
• Bleeding or bruising
• Delayed wound healing
• Changes in skin pigmentation
• Recurrence of the lesion in some cases
• Need for further treatment if clinically indicated

Risks will be discussed in full during your consultation.

After Your Procedure

Following surgery, you will be provided with:

• Written aftercare instructions
• Wound care advice
• Information on when to seek medical assistance
• Follow-up arrangements where appropriate

All excised tissue may be sent for histological analysis where clinically indicated. This will be discussed during your consultation.

Not all lesions are suitable for treatment in a primary care setting. Where appropriate, patients may be referred to their GP or specialist services for further assessment especially if there is any indication after assessment that the lesion looks suspicious.